Lavogez and Hisey Depart and Schult Arrives for KC Current

The Kansas City Current have had a busy week. On the field, they’ve won twice in the last week to secure first place in their Summer Cup group and advance to the semifinals, which will also be at CPKC Stadium. But off the field they’ve been busy too, with two players leaving and one arriving.

Claire Lavogez Departs

First, news broke yesterday from Claire herself that she would be leaving the KC Current. In an announcement on her Instagram, she shared the bittersweet news that left many fans wondering why the French attacker would leave in the middle of such a promising season.

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A post shared by Claire Lavogez (@clairelavogezofficiel)

Then, after the game, Manager and Sporting Director, Vlatko Andonovski spread a little light on the situation. He told the gathered media that Lavogez was presented with a good opportunity and the team didn’t want to stand in her way. A marked departure from players being suddenly shoved out the door.

Vlatko on Claire Lavogez’s announcement on social media saying this was her last match for #KC

Claire Lavogez is an amazing player. We enjoyed having her on the team. She was presented with a good opportunity and we don’t want to stand in her way. #kcbaby

— Jillian Carroll Letrinko (@JillianC_arroll) August 2, 2024

The move has not been officially announced by the team yet, possibly as details are finalized with her new club. In a since expired IG story, Lavogez seemed to hint at a move to the French club Montpellier.

Lavogez has primarily played as an attacking midfielder for the Current but has also lined up out wide or as a false nine. In three seasons with the Current, she appeared in 27 regular season games (11 starts) for 1,140 minutes. She scored four times and added one assist according to FBref. She lost most of the 2023 season to injury making just four appearances.

The imminent departure of Lavogez opens up a roster spot and, more specifically, an international roster spot. Lavogez was set to be out of contract after the season. There is no word yet if her departure includes an incoming transfer fee.

Almuth Schult In; Hope Hisey Out

The Lavogez departure wasn’t the only change in Kansas City. There may be a change coming between the pipes as the team announced the signing of 33-year-old former German international keeper, Almuth Schult, on Friday. First reported on Wednesday by ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf, Schult arrives after years of starting for Wolfsburg in Germany. She briefly played for fellow NWSL club Angel City in 2022 before departing to have her third child, which also kept her out of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Schult was most recently with Hamburger SV in the German second division at the end of the 2023-24 season where she made four appearances. She’s been capped 66 times for the senior German National Team.

“I am very excited to come to Kansas City and happy to get back on the highest level after my second pregnancy,” said Schult. “The Current gave us a great feeling as a family, and we can’t wait to be in that amazing stadium with the incredible fans. The team plays such an exciting game of football, and I am looking forward to being with them and doing my best.”

“Almuth has a proven track record for success against the competition in the world,” said head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “We believe her experience will take our goalkeeper corps to the next level.”

As teams don’t usually carry four goalkeepers, the KC Current announced they have waived GK Hope Hisey, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NWSL College Draft. Hisey had yet to make an appearance for the team, with AD Franch starting and playing every single minute for Kansas City in 2024.

Many former NWSL players are finding homes in the new USL Super League, which is set to start their season soon, including former KC Current defender Jenna Winebrenner who just left North Carolina and signed with the Dallas Trinity. Perhaps Hisey can land a spot in the USL SL.

Impending GK Battle?

The signing of Schult seemingly tells many stories. First, it potentially pushes 2023 second round draft pick Jordan Silkowitz further down the depth chart. After her, seemingly successful stint on loan with the Brisbane Roar, it felt like she’d at least earn some minutes in these summer competitions for KC. Instead, the team added another veteran.

Second, this probably means AD Franch’s job is less secure. Franch has alternated between spectacular saves and below average play during the 2024 season. Back on June 14th against the Chicago Red Stars she allowed in the softest of goals to cost her team a win in the dying minutes. While her play with her feet has dramatically improved, she’s been slightly inconsistent with her shot stopping. She either saves the impossible or lets in shots that seem infinitely savable.

Franch is also 33. Silkowitz may fall down the depth chart for now, but she still may be the heir apparent in net for this team. Not to mention the team also drafted GK Halle Mackiewicz in the 2024 draft and hold her rights as she missed preseason with an injury.

Schult is eligible to play as soon as the Women’s Cup on August 14th.